Southern California -- this just in

Man rescues puppy in Riverside County

May 31, 2012 | 8:47
pm

A puppy that was apparently dumped on a highway in Riverside County was saved by a good Samaritan, officials said Thursday night.

Richard Mazon spotted the 2-month-old female terrier mix chasing after a car that had just pulled from the shoulder back into eastbound lanes on California 60, according to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

Mazon pulled over to save the dog near the Pedley Road exit in Jurupa Valley. He contacted the department and turned over the animal.

"This man is a hero," Officer Mark Visyak said in a statement released by the department. "If not for his quick thinking, the dog likely would have continued running onto the highway."

The dog's ID number is A0950322 and will be available for adoption on June 5 if no on claims the animal.